House Bill 221 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Marcus ParamoreRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Education; broadcast of public K-12 school sporting events further provided for

Summary

HB221 would give Alabama public K-12 schools sole authority to decide which media organizations can broadcast both regular-season and postseason (playoff and championship) K-12 sports events.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill lets each public K-12 school choose which media organizations may cover and broadcast all regular-season and postseason sporting events. It would also prevent others from interfering with or restricting media coverage of those events. Schools could enter contracts with broadcasters to carry these games. The bill also defines terms like broadcast, cover, and media organization to clarify who counts as a broadcaster.

Who It Affects

• Public K-12 schools in Alabama – gain sole authority to approve media coverage and to contract for broadcasts of both regular-season and postseason events.
• Media organizations (newspapers, radio stations, TV stations/networks, websites, and other outlets) – would be allowed to cover events only if approved by the school, and their access could be limited by the school's selections.

Key Provisions

• Expands the schools' sole authority to determine which media organizations may cover or broadcast post-season sporting events (in addition to regular-season events).
• Prohibits interference or restriction of media coverage by others.
• Each school would determine which media organizations may cover or broadcast events and could contract for those broadcasts.
• Defines 'broadcast', 'cover', and 'media organization' to include TV, radio, print, and online media.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education